Robert “Bob” Connell

Robert “Bob” Connell

HORNELL – Robert “Bob” Connell, 81, of the Airport Road, entered into rest Wednesday (March 6, 2024) at Maple City Rehab and Nursing Facility in Hornell following a long battle with dementia, with his precious family at his side.

Born in Elmira, NY on October 8, 1942, he was the son of the late George “Red” and Florence (Ritz) Connell.

Bob attended and graduated from Hornell High School and was active in basketball and baseball in school and played town team baseball after graduating. Somewhere along the way, he picked up golfing which became his lifelong hobby.

He worked at the Foster Wheeler Corp. in Dansville, NY as a welder for 37 years, where he retired after the company started closing. During his time at FW he also played on the FW Brae Burn Golf League. Bob also enjoyed his part-time job at the Dansville Auto Auction on Tuesday nights “running” the lanes. After retirement, Bob kept up his love of golf. He was a member of Twin Hickory and Hornell Golf Club.

When you ran into Bob, you would often be greeted by a snarky comment or two. He was always one to give you his opinion, whether you asked for it or not. Never a “yes” answer-it was always “Do birds fly?” or “I’m standing up talking to you aren’t I!” Bob was a tough egg, but once you cracked that shell, you couldn’t resist his charm. He taught his children at an early age to work hard but play hard and keep it on the hardtop. Bob’s love for golf, his children, grandchildren, and enjoying a beverage or two is what kept him going most days.

Bob was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Surviving are his wife, Debra (Pfaff), son, Scott (Brianne) Connell; daughters, Aimee Sciotti and Kari (Aaron) Schwartz; grandchildren, Kala Connell, Jaden and Jonas Sciotti, Talan and Presley Schwartz; brother, George Connell; sister-in-law, Shelly (Larry) Jackson; brothers-in-law, Don (Sharon Herrick) and Rick (Darlene Brokaw) Pfaff; life-long friends, Mike and AnnMarie Barillo; and his loving respite care providers, Melissa McKay and Sharon Herrick.

There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be at the Hornell Golf Club at a date and time to be determined.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home. 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Bob’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Bob are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.